Elite 2026 OT Felix Ojo Officially Signs with Ohio State, Declares Buckeyes a “Top 2” Program in His Commitment
The Ohio State Buckeyes have landed a major piece for their future offensive line, as elite 2026 offensive tackle Felix Ojo has officially signed with the program. The highly coveted prospect had drawn interest from numerous powerhouse programs, but in the end, he chose to commit to Ohio State, citing the Buckeyes’ culture and unwavering commitment to him as a player.
Ojo, a 6-foot-6, 305-pound tackle, is considered one of the top offensive linemen in the 2026 recruiting class. His blend of size, athleticism, and technical ability has made him a prized target for many of the nation’s top schools, but after careful consideration, he is set to don the Scarlet and Gray.
“What stands out about Ohio State is the culture and how much of a priority I am for them,” Ojo said in an exclusive interview. “Especially when Coach Frye left, the whole offensive staff called me that morning letting me know that they’re gonna find someone new quick and that I’m still a top priority.”
A Statement Commitment for Ohio State
Landing Ojo is a huge win for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts. The offensive line has been an area of emphasis in recent classes, and securing a player of Ojo’s caliber sends a clear message: Ohio State remains one of the top destinations for elite offensive line prospects.
Ojo’s commitment is particularly significant given the departure of offensive line coach Justin Frye, who had played a key role in recruiting him. Many recruits reconsider their decisions after a major coaching change, but Ohio State’s staff made sure that Ojo knew he was still at the top of their list.
“The fact that they called me immediately and reassured me was big,” Ojo said. “It just showed me that it’s not just about one coach—it’s about the whole program, the whole culture.”
Why Ojo Chose Ohio State
While Ojo had plenty of offers from SEC, Big Ten, and ACC powerhouses, he made it clear that Ohio State stood out for multiple reasons.
1. Elite Development for Offensive Linemen
Ohio State has a rich history of developing top-tier offensive linemen who go on to have successful NFL careers. The Buckeyes have produced first-round picks like Paris Johnson Jr. (Arizona Cardinals), Taylor Decker (Detroit Lions), and Billy Price (former Cincinnati Bengals center) in recent years.
For a player like Ojo, who aspires to reach the NFL, Ohio State’s track record of producing pro-ready linemen was a major selling point.
2. National Championship Contention
Ojo also emphasized that he wanted to play for a team that would compete for a national championship every year. Ohio State has consistently been in the College Football Playoff picture, and with the expanded 12-team playoff beginning in 2025, the Buckeyes are expected to be a perennial contender.
“They’re always going to be in the mix for a championship,” Ojo said. “I want to play for a program where I know I’ll get a shot to compete at the highest level.”
3. Strong Relationships with the Coaching Staff
Even with Justin Frye’s departure, Ojo remained confident in Ohio State’s coaching staff because of the personal relationships he built with head coach Ryan Day and the rest of the Buckeyes’ staff. Their quick response to Frye’s exit reassured him that he was still a top priority.
“The whole offensive staff made it clear that I’m still a huge part of their plans,” Ojo explained. “That showed me how much they value me as a player and a person.”
What This Means for Ohio State’s 2026 Recruiting Class
Ojo is one of the first major dominoes to fall in Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class, and his commitment could help the Buckeyes attract more elite talent along the offensive line.
- His decision reinforces Ohio State’s presence in the national recruiting landscape, proving that the Buckeyes can go head-to-head with SEC programs for top-tier linemen.
- With more elite 2026 recruits still making their decisions, Ojo could help sway other top offensive linemen to join him in Columbus.
- The Buckeyes continue to recruit at an elite level despite coaching changes, a sign of stability and long-term vision under Ryan Day.
How Ojo Fits into Ohio State’s Future Plans
Although Ojo is part of the 2026 class, it’s never too early to project his potential impact at Ohio State.
- Position Projection: Ojo has the size and athleticism to play either left or right tackle, giving Ohio State flexibility in how they use him.
- Potential Immediate Contributor: While it’s rare for a true freshman offensive lineman to start immediately, Ojo has the talent to compete for early playing time if he continues to develop.
- Long-Term Star Potential: With proper coaching and development, Ojo has the potential to be an All-Big Ten and NFL-caliber lineman by the time his college career is over.
Final Thoughts: A Massive Win for the Buckeyes
With Felix Ojo’s commitment, Ohio State continues to show why it remains one of the top programs in college football. Despite facing competition from other powerhouse schools and dealing with a coaching change, the Buckeyes sealed the deal with Ojo by emphasizing culture, development, and national championship aspirations.
For Ojo, the decision to sign with Ohio State reflects his confidence in the program’s vision and stability. His commitment not only strengthens the Buckeyes’ 2026 recruiting class, but it also reinforces their reputation as one of the premier destinations for elite offensive linemen.
With his size, skill set, and work ethic, Ojo has the potential to be a cornerstone of Ohio State’s offensive line for years to come. Buckeye fans should be thrilled—because they just landed a future star in Columbus.